Single knob pre-amplifier gain-trim and fader

ABSTRACT

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a microphone mixer is provided comprising: an input adapted to receive differential microphone (mic) output signals; a gain-trim circuit adapted to receive the differential mic output signals, and which includes a substantially fully differential amplifier adapted to amplify the received differential mic output signals through use of a gain-trim output adjustment device that provides a variable gain amount ranging from a first gain-trim gain value to a second gain-trim gain value, to produce differential gain-trim circuit output signals; a fader circuit adapted to receive the differential gain-trim circuit output signals, and which includes a differential amplifier adapted to attenuate the received differential gain-trim circuit output signals through use of a fader output adjustment device that provides a variable gain amount ranging from a first fader gain value to a second fader value; and a common adjustment apparatus that mechanically ties the gain-trim output adjustment device with the fader output adjustment device such that the first gain-trim gain value and first fader gain value are obtained substantially simultaneously at a first position of the common adjustment apparatus, and the second gain-trim gain value and second fader gain value are obtained substantially simultaneously at a second position of the common adjustment apparatus.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/345,284, filed 3 Jun. 2016,the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

Aspects of the embodiments relate to audio components, and moreparticularly to pre-amplifiers. The embodiments described herein relategenerally to audio components, and more specifically to systems,methods, and modes for simultaneously providing gain-trim and faderfunctions in pre-amplifier audio components.

Background Art

Microphone pre-amplifiers often have a gain-trim to accommodate thedifferent output levels of various microphones while maintainingadequate noise and distortion performance. They also require a separatefader to allow the level of the channel to be lowered to an inaudiblelevel. Some pre-amplifier devices currently available include a “set andforget” application in which there is a need for a gain-trim, but stillwant to be able to make the channel inaudible, and do not have thephysical room to allow for two separate controls.

Existing solutions eliminate the gain-trim control, and have only thefader control. This places a high level of gain upfront for allmicrophones that increases the noise level and the total harmonicdistortion (THD).

Accordingly, a need has arisen for simultaneously providing gain-trimand fader functions in pre-amplifier audio components.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least theproblems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at leastone or more of the advantages described below.

It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems,methods, and modes for simultaneously providing gain-trim and faderfunctions in pre-amplifier audio components that will obviate orminimize problems of the type previously described.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, aswell as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, aredescribed in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presentedherein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will beapparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on theteachings contained herein.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a microphone gain-trimand fader circuit is provided comprising: a plurality of filters adaptedto provide a bandpass filter function such that only a predeterminedfrequency range of input signals is allowed to propagate through to theoutput of the circuit; a differential amplifier adapted to provide avariable gain to the input signals, the variable gain ranging from afirst positive gain value to a second positive gain value of the inputsignals; a fader amplifier adapted to provide a variable attenuation oralternatively variable attenuation and gain to the signals input to thefader amplifier, the fader amplifier accepting as an input the output ofthe differential amplifier, the variable attenuation or alternativelyvariable attenuation and gain of the fader mechanically tied to thevariable gain of the differential amplifier such that at a first lowestvariable gain setting of the variable attenuation of the fader, thevariable gain of the gain-trim is at its lowest variable gain, andfurther wherein at a second highest variable gain setting of thevariable attenuation of the fader, the variable gain of the gain-trim isat its highest variable gain.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a microphone mixer isprovided comprising: an input adapted to receive differential microphone(mic) output signals; a gain-trim circuit adapted to receive thedifferential mic output signals, and which includes a substantiallyfully differential amplifier adapted to amplify the receiveddifferential mic output signals through use of a gain-trim outputadjustment device that provides a variable gain amount ranging from afirst gain-trim gain value to a second gain-trim gain value, to producedifferential gain-trim circuit output signals; a fader circuit adaptedto receive the differential gain-trim circuit output signals, and whichincludes a differential amplifier adapted to attenuate the receiveddifferential gain-trim circuit output signals through use of a faderoutput adjustment device that provides a variable gain amount rangingfrom a first fader gain value to a second fader value; and a commonadjustment apparatus that mechanically ties the gain-trim outputadjustment device with the fader output adjustment device such that thefirst gain-trim gain value and first fader gain value are obtainedsubstantially simultaneously at a first position of the commonadjustment apparatus, and the second gain-trim gain value and secondfader gain value are obtained substantially simultaneously at a secondposition of the common adjustment apparatus.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the microphone mixerfurther comprises a plurality of filters adapted to provide a bandpassfilter function such that only a predetermined frequency range of inputsignals is allowed to propagate through to the output of the microphonemixer.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the first gain-trimgain value is a lowest positive first gain-trim gain value, the secondgain-trim gain value is a highest positive gain-trim gain value, thefirst fader gain value is a largest negative fader gain value, and thesecond fader gain value is a fader gain value that does notsubstantially change the output of the fader circuit in view of theinput of the fader circuit.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the gain-trim outputadjustment device comprises a natural logarithmic scaled gain, and thefader output adjustment device comprise a linearly scaled potentiometer.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the gain-trim outputadjustment device comprises a natural logarithmic scaled gain, and thefader output adjustment device comprise an anti-logarithmic scaledpotentiometer.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the gain-trim circuitis further adapted to variably attenuate the received differential micoutput signals.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the fader circuit isfurther adapted to variably amplify the received differential gain-trimcircuit output signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe embodiments with reference to the following figures. Differentaspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of thedrawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosedherein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. Thecomponents in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of theaspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a gain-trim circuit using a fullydifferential amplifier according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a fader circuit using adifferential amplifier according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates several gain plots on a single graph, including afirst gain plot of a simple gain-trim only circuit with ananti-logarithmic scaled potentiometer in a feedback path of a fullydifferential amplifier, a second gain plot of a combined gain-trim andfader circuit with an anti-logarithmic scaled potentiometer in thefeedback path of a fully differential amplifier in the gain-trimcircuit, and a linearly scaled potentiometer in the output path of adifferential amplifier in the fader circuit, and a third gain plot of acombined gain-trim and fader circuit with an anti-logarithmic scaledpotentiometer in the feedback path of a fully differential amplifier inthe gain-trim circuit, and an anti-logarithmic scaled potentiometer inthe output path of the differential amplifier in the fader circuit,according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed first partial view of an electricalschematic of the gain-trim circuit as shown in the block diagram of FIG.1 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed second partial view of the electricalschematic of the gain-trim circuit as shown in the block diagram of FIG.1 using a fully differential amplifier according to aspects of theembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed electrical schematic of the fader circuitas shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2 using a differential amplifieraccording to aspects of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive conceptare shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appendedclaims. The detailed description that follows is written from the pointof view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood thatgenerally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to varioussubsystems and not limited to only a particular controlled device orclass of devices, such as audio preamplifiers.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included inat least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of thephrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS IN NUMERICALORDER

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings innumerical order.

-   100 Gain-Trim Circuit Block Diagram (Gain-trim Circuit)-   102 a,b Input Signals-   104 Input Connector-   106 Low Pass Filter (LPF)-   108 a,b Phantom Voltage Source (V_(PH))-   110 a,b High Pass Filter (HPF)-   112 a,b Over Voltage Protection (OVP) Circuit-   113 a,b Second Low Pass Filter (Second LPF)-   114 Fully Differential Amplifier (FD-Amp)-   116 Adjustable Gain-Trim Potentiometer (R_(GT))-   118 a,b Gain-Trim Circuit Output Signals (Mic Gain Out +/−)-   200 Fader Circuit Block Diagram (Fader Circuit)-   202 Differential Amplifier (Diff-Amp)-   204 Adjustable Fader Potentiometer (R_(F))-   206 Fader Circuit Output (Mic Output)-   210 Combined Gain-Trim Fader Control (C_(GFC))-   302 First Gain Curve-   304 Second Gain Curve-   306 Third Gain Curve-   400 Detailed View of Gain-Trim Circuit Block Diagram-   600 Detailed View of Fader Circuit Block Diagram

List of Acronyms Used in the Specification in Alphabetical Order

The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification inalphabetical order.

AC Alternating Current ADC Analog-to-Digital Converter Amp Amplifier BPFBand Pass Filter dB Decibel DC Direct Current DIFF Differential(Amplifier) FD Fully Differential HPF High Pass Filter LPF Low PassFilter Mic Microphone OVP Over Voltage Protection RF Radio-Frequency SNRSignal-to-Noise Ratio THD Total Harmonic Distortion

The different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to thecontext of audio components, and more specifically to systems, methods,and modes for simultaneously providing gain-trim and fader functions inpre-amplifier audio components, but is not limited thereto, except asmay be set forth expressly in the appended claims.

For 40 years Creston Electronics Inc., has been the world's leadingmanufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovatingtechnology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses.Crestron designs, manufactures, and offers for sale integrated solutionsto control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems. Inaddition, the devices and systems offered by Crestron streamlinestechnology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings,universities, hotels, hospitals, and homes, among other locations.Accordingly, the systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of theembodiments described herein, as embodied as MXR6-USB and MMX-6-USB, canbe manufactured by Crestron Electronics Inc., located in Rockleigh,N.J., and have been marketed and sold as a microphone mixer and preampfor Crestron RL® 2 and other applications (See, e.g.,http://www.crestron.com/products/model/MMX-6-USB)

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of gain-trim circuit 100 according toaspects of the embodiments. Prior to discussing FIGS. 1 and 2 inparticular, a general discussion of microphone preamplifiers circuitsand fader circuits will be provided in order to facilitate understandingof the need for various aspects of the embodiments (see, FIGS. 1, 4, and5 in regard to gain-trim circuits, and FIGS. 2 and 6 in regard to fadercircuits). Microphone (mic) preamplifier designs usually need to satisfymany challenging requirements. These include low noise performance withlow source impedances, high signal-handling capability, highradio-frequency (RF) immunity, high common-mode signal rejection, andvariable differential gain over a range of 1 to 1,000 (or more). Micpreamps are often required to serve “double duty” as line input stages.In addition, professional mic preamps very often need to supply a sourceof phantom power, usually +48V, to the microphone. The presence ofphantom power mandates protection networks (e.g., over-voltageprotection circuits), which tend to conflict with some of theabove-described design goals.

As those of skill in the art can appreciate, if the microphone's outputsignal is weak, then the mic preamp circuit should provide a robustamount of gain; however, if the microphone's output signal becomes toostrong, then too much THD is generated. Faders provide a means fordiminishing the pre-amp's output. According to aspects of theembodiments, in the range of adjustment that corresponds to 0 dBthrough-gain and below, the amount of gain introduced is relatively low;the over-all gain becomes significant in any gain settings above about 0dB. Thus, fader's normally do not provide any positive gain, but canonly decrease or reduce the magnitude of the input signal. According toaspects of the embodiments, increasing the attenuation of the fadersimultaneously reduces the gain of the gain trim circuit before thefader. According to further aspects of the embodiments, it is thisreduction in gain of the fully differential amplifier that results inthe improved THD, not the attenuation from the fader. Thus, according toaspects of the embodiments, at least one purpose for the fader circuitis to have a means to reduce the level of the output to one that issubstantially inaudible. According to further aspects of theembodiments, therefore, the taper of the one or more potentiometers inthe fader circuit is either linear or anti-logarithmic, rather than thelogarithmic taper (so-called “audio taper”) commonly found in the fadercircuit of preamplifiers and mixing consoles of the prior art.

Fader circuits typically have a “negative” gain (or attenuation) rangingfrom about 0 dB to between about −90 dB to about −100 dB (meaning the“gain” of the fader is more technically written as an attenuation thatranges from about 0 dB (i.e., substantially no attenuation) to about −90dB. In some applications, the attenuation can be about −100 dB. In someapplications, it may be desirable for the fader amplifier to providegain at its highest setting. According to still further aspects of theembodiments, there can be a gain that ranges from about +5 dB to about−90/−100 dB.

As shown in FIG. 1, differential input signals (input signals) 102 a,bare received at input connector 104, and the shield of the cablecarrying differential input signals 102 a,b is shunted to ground. Inputsignals 102 a,b are first applied to low pass filters (LPF) 106 a,b,respectively, which, according to aspects of the embodiments, can befabricated in the form of an inductor-capacitor filter circuit, as shownand described in greater detail below, in regard to FIG. 4. FollowingLPFs 106 a,b, there are respective phantom voltage supplies, V_(PH) 108a,b (one for each of the differential input signals). As those of skillin the art can appreciate, many, if not most of currently availablemicrophones are electret condenser type microphones and therefore need abias voltage. Phantom power, in the context of professional audioequipment, is DC electric power transmitted through microphone cables tooperate microphones that contain active electronic circuitry. It isknown by those of skill in the art to use phantom power supplies as aconvenient power source for electret condenser microphones, though manyactive direct boxes also use it, for other purposes.

Following the V_(PH) phantom voltage sources 108 a,b, there areover-voltage protection (OVP) circuits 112 a,b and high pass filters(HPF) 110 a,b. OVP circuits 112 a,b protect fully differential amplifier(FD-Amp) 114 further down the circuit from over voltage conditions, andHPF 110 a,b provides a further filtering function, e.g., HPFs 110 a,bprovide an alternating current (AC) coupling or direct current (DC)block function to isolate the inputs of FD-Amp 114 from the phantompower. Using both LPFs 106 a,b and HPFs 110 a,b provide a band-passfilter (BPF) function that substantially prevents frequencies outside apredefined bandwidth from being amplified by FD-Amp 114, therebydecreasing “noise,” increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), anddecreasing THD according to aspects of the embodiments.

Following the filtering functions provided by HPFs 112 a,b, and LFPs 113(to reduce radio frequency (RF) interference after OVP circuits 112 a,b,and which comprises C9, C12, and C15 as shown in FIG. 5), the filteredmicrophone output signals are input to FD-Amp 114. A detailed discussionof the operation of FD-Amp 114 is provided below, in regard to FIG. 5.FD-Amp 114, as configured in the manner shown in FIG. 1 (and FIGS. 4 and5 below) provides about 6-60 dB in total gain, as gain trim curve 302 ofFIG. 3 illustrates, which is a graph of the gain of gain-trim circuit100 alone, without the fader circuit, according to aspects of theembodiments. FD-Amp 114 always provides at least about 6 dB of gain,meaning there is never a gain of less than about 6 dB. As those of skillin the art can appreciate, such gain values are by way of non-limitingexamples only, as other minimum and maximum gain values can beimplemented with the proper selection of components, including bothpassive and active components. At its upper limit of maximum gain,FD-Amp 114 provides about 60 dB of gain. Adjustable gain-trimpotentiometer (R_(GT)) 116 provides the variable gain portion of FD-Amp114; that is, as the resistance varies with the turning of the shaft,the gain of FD-Amp 114 (gain-trim circuit 100) changes, as well as thegain of fader circuit 200 as described below in regard to FIGS. 2 and 6.According to aspects of the embodiments, R_(GT) 116 is adapted to be ananti-logarithmic potentiometer.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 2, and fader circuit 200 according toaspects of the embodiments. Outputs 118 a,b of FD-Amp 114 of gain-trimcircuit 100 become the inputs of fader circuit 200, and differentialamplifier (Diff-Amp) 202. Diff-Amp 202, using potentiometer R_(F) 204 asa variable control of its gain, provides a gain that ranges from about−90 dB/−100 dB to about 0 dB. As discussed above, in someconfigurations, fader circuit 200 is designed and implemented to providean attenuation of about 100 dB (or −100 dB of gain); in fulfillment ofthe dual purposes of clarity and brevity, discussion shall be made offader circuit 200 and Diff-Amp 202 as providing only 90 dB ofattenuation (or −90 dB of gain). As arrows A in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicate,the same mechanical shaft that turns potentiometer R_(GT) 116 also turnspotentiometer R_(F) 204. According to aspects of the embodiments, due tothe linked nature of R_(GT) 116 and R_(F) 204, from hereon in they shallbe referred to as “combined gain-trim fader controller (C_(GFC)) 210.”

Aspects of the embodiments physically lock the gain-trim control offront-end gain-trim circuit 100 (which is substantially similar tocircuit 400 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) with the downstream attenuationcontrol of fader circuit 200 (which is substantially similar to circuit600 as shown in FIG. 6) to a single mechanical shaft. Because the twopotentiometers are tied together by one shaft, adjusting one (R_(GT)116) adjusts the other (R_(F) 204). In this manner, when R_(GT) 116 ofgain-trim circuit 200 (and circuit 400) is turned to its lowest gain(about 6 dB), so too is R_(F) 204 of fader circuit 200 (and circuit 600)turned to its lowest gain, of about −90 dB. When turned all the way toits other limit, R_(GT) 116 provides about 60 dB of gain, while faderpotentiometer R_(F) 204 provides about 0 dB of gain (meaning the inputand output are substantially similar in terms of magnitude—i.e., nogain). In some applications, however, it may be desirable for Diff-Amp202 to provide a true gain (e.g., a gain of about 10 dB (or positiveamplification of the input signal)). According to aspects of theembodiments, tying the two gains together via a single control providesfor high attenuation of the input signal when the channel should beinaudible. According to further aspects of the embodiments, tying thetwo gains together via a single control provides for a lower gain forhigh level input signals resulting in lower distortion and improved SNR.According to still further aspects of the embodiments, tying the twogains together via a single control affords higher gain for low levelinput signals.

In known or existing pre-amp and fader circuits, the channel gain-trimand the channel fader are separate controls. The gain-trim control isusually a reverse audio taper (anti-log) control, which results in anaudio taper (log) response from the first gain-trim stage of thepre-amplifier (because the gain-trim device is in the inverse feedbackloop of the amplifier). The gain-trim control usually provides gain-trimcontrol in the range of 30 dB to 50 dB. The fader control is usually anaudio taper (log) control with the lowest end of the range resulting inattenuation of the signal by at least 90 dB with respect to the fulloutput signal level. Typically in the fader circuit, the fader controlis not in the feedback loop, should one even be in use.

The circuits designed and fabricated according to aspects of theembodiments mechanically couples the two controls (R_(GT) 116 and R_(F)204) together. This results in a range from greater than about −80 dB ofattenuation to a gain of about +60 dB using a single knob. According toaspects of the embodiments, because the two controls are coupled, thefader portion can be an anti-log taper or, alternatively, a lineartaper.

FIG. 3 illustrates several gain plots (gain curves) 302, 304, 306 on asingle graph, including first gain curve 302 of a simple gain-trim onlycircuit with an anti-log scaled potentiometer in a feedback path of afully differential amplifier, second gain curve 304 of a combinedgain-trim and fader circuit with an anti-log scaled potentiometer in thefeedback path of a fully differential amplifier in the gain-trimcircuit, and a linearly scaled potentiometer in the output path of adifferential amplifier in the fader circuit, and third gain curve 306 ofa combined gain-trim and fader circuit with an anti-log scaledpotentiometer in the feedback path of a fully differential amplifier inthe gain-trim circuit, and an anti-log scaled potentiometer in theoutput path of the differential amplifier in the fader circuit,according to aspects of the embodiments.

First gain curve 302 is the gain of gain-trim circuit 100 alone withoutthe influence or impact of fader circuit 200 (or circuit 400). Firstgain curve 302 shows that when turned to its lowest gain value, theoutput of FD-Amp 114 will be about +6 dB. As the shaft of potentiometerR_(GT) 116 is turned (indicated by the relative position of controlalong the X axis), the gain increases non-linearly from about 6 dB toabout 60 dB.

Second gain curve 304 is the gain of gain-trim circuit 100 with theinfluence of fader circuit 200 (or circuit 400). When fader circuit 200(or 400) is added, according to aspects of the embodiments, the largestnegative gain of fader circuit 200, which, only for purposes of thisdiscussion, has been set to be about −90 dB (but which can be any value,including, by way of non-limiting example, about −100 dB), attenuatesthe output of fader circuit 200 to about −55 dB (i.e., when the shaft ofC_(GFC) 210 turned to its 0% relative position). When the gain ismaximized by turning the shaft of C_(GFC) 210 to its 100% relativeposition, the output of gain-trim circuit 100 is maximized (about 60 dBof gain), and the negative attenuation of fader circuit 200 is minimized(about 0 dB), so that the signal level output of fader circuit 200 isessentially the signal level output of gain-trim circuit 100 accordingto aspects of the embodiments. Second gain curve 304 illustrates theimpact on the gain of the two circuits 100, 200 when C_(GFC) 210 isadapted to be an anti-log potentiometer in gain-trim circuit 100 (R_(GT)116) and a liner potentiometer in fader circuit 200 (R_(F) 204).

Third gain curve 306 of FIG. 3 illustrates the combined gain ofgain-trim circuit 100 and fader circuit 200 when C_(GFC) 210 is adaptedto be anti-log potentiometer in gain-trim circuit 100 (R_(GT) 116) andan anti-log potentiometer in fader circuit 200 (R_(F) 204), according toaspects of the embodiments. According to aspects of the embodiments,when fader circuit 200 (or 400) is added using an anti-log potentiometerin its feedback path, the largest negative gain of fader circuit 200attenuates the output of fader circuit 200 to about −55 dB (the shaft ofC_(GFC) 210 turned to its 0% relative position). When the gain ismaximized by turning the shaft of C_(GFC) 210 to its 100% relativeposition, the output of gain-trim circuit 100 is maximized (about 60 dBof gain), and the negative attenuation of fader circuit 200 is minimized(about 0 dB), so that the signal level output of fader circuit 200 isessentially the signal level output of gain-trim circuit 100. Accordingto further aspects of the embodiments, the largest negative gain offader circuit 200/400 can be about −90 dB, about −100 dB, or some othermaximum attenuation value can also be used.

According to aspects of the embodiments, gain-trim curve 302 can be anatural logarithmic curve (from hereinafter, “log”). According toaspects of the embodiments, because of the way that FD-Amp 114 operates,and because R_(GT) 116 is in the feedback path, the resistance of R_(GT)116 can be characterized in a response curve that is the inverse of thedesired gain curve.

Thus, according to aspects of the embodiments, gain-trim circuit 100 andfader circuit 200 can be used in a product sold by Crestron Electronics,Inc., referred to as the MMX-6-USB 6 Channel USB Microphone Mixer(Crestron Mic Mixer). The Crestron Mic Mixer can employ an anti-logpotentiometer in gain trim circuit 100 to achieve a log gain adjustmentout of gain trim circuit 100 (note that because the anti-logpotentiometer is in the feedback loop, the output is characterized asthe inverse of the actual device in the feedback loop; the inverse of ananti-log potentiometer changing the voltage in the feedback loop means alog gain adjustment at the output), followed by another anti-logpotentiometer in fader circuit 200 to achieve an anti-log gainadjustment out of fader circuit 200 as well. Thus, in this embodiment,the output of the Crestron Mic Mixer will have a log gain curve (thirdgain curve 306). According to further aspects of the embodiments, theCrestron Mic Mixer can also employ an anti-log potentiometer in gaintrim circuit 100 to achieve a log gain adjustment out of that portion,followed by a linear potentiometer in fader circuit 200 to achieve alinear gain adjustment out of that portion as well. Thus, in thisfurther embodiment, the Crestron Mic Mixer will have a combination of alog gain curve and a linear gain curve (second gain curve 304).

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. FIG. 4 illustrates adetailed first partial view of an electrical schematic of gain-trimcircuit 400 as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 according to aspectsof the embodiments, FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed second partial view ofthe electrical schematic of gain-trim circuit 400 as shown in the blockdiagram of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the embodiments, and FIG. 6illustrates a detailed electrical schematic of fader circuit 600 asshown in the block diagram of FIG. 2 according to aspects of theembodiments.

The circuit elements of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 have been selected tosubstantially optimize operation of the circuits in regard to theexpected frequency range and input signal levels of the microphonesignals expected as inputs to circuit 400 according to aspects of theembodiments. Further, operation of several of the different circuitblocks (e.g., phantom voltage source, VPH 108 a,b, circuit blocks 110,112, 114, among others) are substantially well known to those of skillin the art, and therefore, in fulfillment of the dual purposes ofclarity and brevity, a detailed discussion thereof has been omitted fromherein.

In further regard to FD-Amp 114, a brief discussion will be made so asto illustrate the impact and effect of potentiometer R_(GT) 116 on thegain according to aspects of the embodiments. FD-Amp 114 has bothdifferential inputs and outputs. The gain of FD-Amp amplifier 114 is setby the combination of the feedback resistors, collectively referred toas “R_(FB)” (R 33 and R 34 in FIG. 5), and R_(GT) 116. The gain in dBcan be defined as:

$\begin{matrix}{{Gain},{{dB} = {20 \times {\log_{10}\left( {1 + \frac{2 \times R_{FB}}{R_{GT}}} \right)}}}} & {{Eq}\mspace{14mu} (1)}\end{matrix}$

Attention is now directed to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, Diff-Amp 202 is a unitygain differential amplifier followed by the fader potentiometer, R_(F)204. As configured, R_(F) 204 provides a familiar voltage divider.Moving the wiper results in effectively two resistors: the firstresistor is R_(Fa) 204 a, and is the resistor connected between theoutput of Diff-Amp 202 and mic output 206, and the second resistor isR_(Fb) 204 b, the resistor connected between the wiper arm or mic output206 and ground. In addition, a resistor R_(Sign-Pres.) is also connectedto the wiper arm; this resistor limits the current in a signal that isused to represent when a microphone signal has been received by thecombined gain-trim and fader circuits 400, 600, according to aspects ofthe embodiments. The voltage at the wiper of R_(F) 204 (the outputterminal of the potentiometer, or mic output 206), is defined asfollows:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{206} = {{V_{out} \times \frac{RFb}{{RFa} + {RFb}}} = {V_{out} \times \frac{RFb}{RF}}}} & {{Eq}\mspace{14mu} (2)}\end{matrix}$

The rotational position of R_(F) 204, P_(ROT), can be defined to varybetween 0, fully counterclockwise, and 1, fully clockwise (or, accordingto further aspects of the embodiments, vice-versa). This leads to thefollowing two cases:

(1) If potentiometer R_(F) 204 has a linear taper:

V ₂₀₆ =V ₂₀₂ ×P _(ROT)  Eq (3)

(2) If potentiometer R_(F) 204 has an anti-log taper:

V ₂₀₆ =V ₂₀₂×(−1.0125×e ^((−4.39445×P) ^(ROT) ⁾+1.0125)  Eq(4)

As those of skill in the art can appreciate, these equations are forideal potentiometers. This would result in infinite attenuation at thefully counterclockwise position. In the real circuit, the potentiometershave residual resistance at full rotation that limits the realizableattenuation. The attenuation is further limited by the leakage paths ina real circuit. That is why the curves on the plot limit the attenuationto approximately 55 to 60 dB.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, gain-trim circuit 100can be further adapted to variably attenuate the received differentialmic output signals. Further, fader circuit 200 can be further adapted tovariably amplify the received differential gain-trim circuit outputsignals.

According to still further aspects of the embodiments, C_(GFC) 210 canbe implemented in the form of an electronic potentiometer; that is,C_(GFC) 210 can be embodied in the form of one or more digitalpotentiometers. A rotary or slide control position sensor can beimplemented with the output fed into an analog to digital converter(ADC) to create a digital signal that can then be scaled appropriatelyto drive the digitally controlled digital potentiometer that controlsthe gain/loss of the gain-trim circuit and fader circuits, respectively,in a substantially similar manner as described above. According tofurther aspects of the embodiments, a digital position encoder can beused to create a digital signal that can then be scaled appropriately todrive the digitally controlled digital potentiometer that controls thegain/loss of the gain-trim circuit and fader circuits, respectively, ina substantially similar manner as described above, without the use of anADC. Use of digital potentiometers provides several different benefits.For example, the gain/loss of the respective circuits can then becontrolled remotely, either through use of a remote control device, orthrough a network via appropriate circuitry (transceivers, and thelike). According to still further aspects of the embodiments, the use ofdigital potentiometers also substantially eliminates the effects of anyoffset in the mechanical position of the potentiometers or anydifference in the angle of rotation. The mechanical offset, and/ordifference in angle of rotation limits the ability of the circuit toachieve either the maximum possible gain, or the maximum possibleattenuation. The digital potentiometers also permit the two gangedpotentiometers to be placed farther from each other, which can improveisolation (maximum attenuation).

The disclosed embodiments provide systems, methods, and modes forsimultaneously providing gain-trim and fader functions in pre-amplifieraudio components. It should be understood that this description is notintended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments areintended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, whichare included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined bythe appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of theembodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide acomprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, oneskilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may bepracticed without such specific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments aredescribed being in particular combinations, each feature or element canbe used alone, without the other features and elements of theembodiments, or in various combinations with or without other featuresand elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosedto enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in allrespects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus theembodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementationthat can be derived from the description contained herein by a personskilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in thedescription of the present application should be construed as criticalor essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such.Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or moreitems.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, andpublications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the aspects of the embodiments aredirected towards systems, methods, and modes for simultaneouslyproviding gain-trim and fader functions in pre-amplifier audiocomponents.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A microphone mixer comprising: an input adaptedto receive differential microphone (mic) output signals; a gain-trimcircuit adapted to receive the differential mic output signals, andwhich includes a substantially fully differential amplifier adapted toamplify the received differential mic output signals through use of again-trim output adjustment device that provides a variable gain amountranging from a first gain-trim gain value to a second gain-trim gainvalue, to produce differential gain-trim circuit output signals; a fadercircuit adapted to receive the differential gain-trim circuit outputsignals, and which includes a differential amplifier adapted toattenuate the received differential gain-trim circuit output signalsthrough use of a fader output adjustment device that provides a variablegain amount ranging from a first fader gain value to a second fadervalue; and a common adjustment apparatus that mechanically ties thegain-trim output adjustment device with the fader output adjustmentdevice such that the first gain-trim gain value and first fader gainvalue are obtained substantially simultaneously at a first position ofthe common adjustment apparatus, and the second gain-trim gain value andsecond fader gain value are obtained substantially simultaneously at asecond position of the common adjustment apparatus.
 2. The microphonemixer according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of filtersadapted to provide a bandpass filter function such that only apredetermined frequency range of input signals is allowed to propagatethrough to the output of the microphone mixer.
 3. The microphone mixeraccording to claim 1, wherein the first gain-trim gain value is a lowestpositive first gain-trim gain value, the second gain-trim gain value isa highest positive gain-trim gain value, the first fader gain value is alargest negative fader gain value, and the second fader gain value is afader gain value that does not substantially change the output of thefader circuit in view of the input of the fader circuit.
 4. Themicrophone mixer according to claim 1, wherein the gain-trim outputadjustment device comprises a natural logarithmic scaled gain, and thefader output adjustment device comprise a linearly scaled potentiometer.5. The microphone mixer according to claim 1, wherein the gain-trimoutput adjustment device comprises a natural logarithmic scaled gain,and the fader output adjustment device comprise an anti-logarithmicscaled potentiometer.
 6. The microphone mixer according to claim 1,wherein the gain-trim circuit is further adapted to variably attenuatethe received differential mic output signals.
 7. The microphone mixeraccording to claim 1, wherein the fader circuit is further adapted tovariably amplify the received differential gain-trim circuit outputsignals.